The UK government is under fire for what critics are calling a catastrophic failure to protect victims of so-called 'honour-based' abuse, with a promise to criminalise forced marriage remaining unfulfilled after more than a decade.
A coalition of leading charities and campaign groups has issued a stark warning, accusing the Home Office of breaking its pledge and leaving vulnerable individuals at serious risk. This form of abuse, which includes forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and even murder, is perpetrated to protect or defend the perceived 'honour' of a family or community.
A Legacy of Broken Promises
The controversy stems from a 2012 commitment made by then-Home Secretary Theresa May. The pledge was to create a specific criminal offence for forcing someone into marriage, providing clearer legal tools to prosecute perpetrators and protect victims. Despite the gravity of the issue, this key legislative change has never been enacted.
Campaigners argue that the current legal framework is fragmented and inadequate. While forced marriage is illegal under civil law through Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs), the absence of a standalone criminal offence creates a significant gap in justice and protection.
An Invisible Crisis: The Scale of the Problem
Official figures likely represent just the tip of the iceberg. In 2022, police in England and Wales recorded over 2,900 honour-based abuse offences and approximately 850 forced marriage cases. Charities stress that these numbers are a vast undercount, as fear, shame, and cultural stigma prevent countless victims from coming forward.
Organisations like Karma Nirvana, which operates a national helpline, report handling tens of thousands of calls from individuals seeking help for honour-based abuse, indicating a deep and widespread crisis happening largely out of public view.
The Human Cost of Inaction
This political failure has dire real-world consequences. Victims, predominantly women and young people, are left without robust legal recourse. The lack of a specific criminal offence can deter reporting, complicate prosecutions, and send a message that these crimes are not taken as seriously as other forms of domestic abuse.
Campaigners emphasise that creating a new law would not only empower law enforcement but also serve as a powerful deterrent and a symbol of the state's commitment to protecting every citizen's right to safety and autonomy.
Government Response and the Path Forward
In response to mounting pressure, a government spokesperson stated that forced marriage is already illegal and that they are committed to tackling honour-based abuse. They cited the ongoing work of the Forced Marriage Unit and the creation of a national policing lead for honour-based abuse as evidence of progress.
However, for victims and advocacy groups, these measures are not enough. They continue to demand that the government honour its original promise and introduce a specific criminal offence for forced marriage, arguing that it is a crucial step in a broader strategy to combat honour-based abuse and save lives.
